'I have never felt so angry and physically sick... it seemed I would never get back my normal life' - Victim impact statement reveals abuse by Tom Humphries

Sentencing adjourned to later this month

Writer pleaded guilty to six offences relating to defilement and sexual exploitation of child

Victim says Humphries actions led to loss of her childhood and thanked Humphries family for alerting gardaí

Humphries wrote letter of apology for victim who did not wish to see it

Former Irish Times sports journalist Tom Humphries arriving at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where asked to be remanded in custody to await sentence for grooming and engaging in sexual acts with a child. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Two of the charges related to engaging in a sexual act with a girl under the age of 17 on or about December 5, 2010 and February 19, 2011.

The sexual acts occurred at an apartment in Dublin.

The other four charges admitted by him were of sexually exploiting the same child by inviting her to engage or participate in a sexually explicit, indecent or obscene act on or about January 1, 2010 February 15, 2011 and March 4 and 18 the same year.

At that hearing Mr Humphries only spoke in court to say “guilty” after each of the six charges was put to him.

A number of other charges on the indictment are to be taken into account when he is being sentenced.

Humphries was arrested in relation to child sex allegations in September 2012 but the matters did not come to court until earlier this year.

Humphries' former employer, the Irish Times, issued a statement following today's proceedings.

The company said that Tom Humphries has not written for The Irish Times since early 2011.

In a statement, it said that he joined The Irish Times as a sports reporter on March 1st, 1992.

"In March 2011, the company was advised of serious allegations against the journalist and the commencement of a criminal investigation by the Garda. He has not written for The Irish Times since then.

"He was suspended from employment by The Irish Times on March 31st, 2014 when he was formally charged with criminal offences.

"His employment was terminated with immediate effect on March 8th, 2017 after he had pleaded guilty to charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

"The company said the disclosure that Humphries was the subject of serious allegations and of a criminal investigation was a source of shock and distress to his colleagues."

It added: “This matter has been treated with the utmost seriousness throughout. The Irish Times, in its response, has been guided by the provisions of employment legislation and the requirement to allow the criminal justice system to proceed without interference. The company fully co-operated with the Garda at all times during its investigations.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this letter please contact Samaritans helpline 116 123 or Aware helpline 1800 80 48 48 or Pieta House on 1800 247 247